The Information On: `The Real Thing'

What Is It

David Leveaux's superbly acted revival of Tom Stoppard's 1982 play about the nature of love - in its first major production for 17 years - is the genuine article.

Who's In It

Subtle yet riveting performances come from Stephen Dillane as the middle- aged playwright and Jennifer Ehle (right) as the actress Annie, flitting between husbands.

What They Say About It

"It is the achievement of this even-handed production and Dillane's subtly sympathetic performance to make you see Henry's romantically absolutionist philosophy of love," Paul Taylor, The Independent.

"The evening makes up in serious feeling for what it occasionally lacks in energy," Benedict Nightingale, The Times.

"The Real Thing comes over like, well, the real thing, beautifully capturing both the exhilaration and the agony of romantic love," Charles Spencer, The Daily Telegraph.

Where You Can See It

The Real Thing is at the Donmar Warehouse, London WC2 (0171-369 1732) to 7 Aug.